Sri Vijaya Puram, May 27: Amid growing attention on the sporting potential of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands following national rowing selection trials at Corbyn’s Cove, senior Congress leader TSG Bhasker has urged the A&N Administration to immediately revive Sports Quota recruitment across government departments, warning that the continued absence of employment opportunities for athletes is discouraging island sportspersons and pushing talent away from the Union Territory.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration on May 25, Bhasker, who is Chairman of the Campaign Committee of the Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), said Sports Quota appointments in government departments have virtually disappeared over the last 15 years despite athletes from the islands consistently performing at national and international levels.
The demand comes at a time when the islands are hosting selection trials for the Indian team for the Asian Beach Sprint Championship 2026, scheduled to be held in Pattaya, Thailand next month. The ongoing trials at Corbyn’s Cove Beach have brought national-level rowers, coaches and officials to the islands, placing renewed focus on local sporting talent and infrastructure.
During a visit to the venue on May 25, Bhasker, who is also President of the Andaman & Nicobar Rowing Association, inspected the ongoing trials alongside Balaji Maradapa, President of the Rowing Federation of India (RFI), who is currently in the islands to oversee the national selection process.
The two leaders interacted with Sports Authority of India (SAI) coaches, participating rowers from across the country and island athletes competing in the trials. Bhasker also thanked the Rowing Federation of India for facilitating rowing equipment for the islands, stating that such equipment had reached the Union Territory after nearly three decades.
He described the development as a “historic milestone” for rowing in the islands and said improved equipment and exposure could help athletes from the Union Territory compete more effectively at the national level.
However, Bhasker argued that infrastructure alone would not be enough unless employment opportunities for athletes were restored locally through Sports Quota recruitment.
According to him, island sportspersons are increasingly securing jobs under Sports Quota in Central Government departments outside the Union Territory while similar opportunities remain unavailable within the islands. He questioned why athletes capable of representing national institutions are not being accommodated within departments functioning under the local Administration.
Citing the example of international rower Amrita Minj, who is currently employed with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and represents the force at national competitions, Bhasker said many talented athletes are gradually shifting allegiance away from the Union Territory because of the absence of career opportunities at home.
He stated that earlier Sports Quota appointments in departments had encouraged youth to pursue athletics seriously despite limited sporting infrastructure and logistical challenges in the islands. The discontinuation of such recruitment avenues, he claimed, has affected morale among emerging athletes.
Bhasker also linked the issue to broader social concerns, saying sports development should be treated not merely as an employment matter but as an important intervention for youth welfare and social stability.
He warned that increasing incidents of drug abuse and substance addiction among young people in the islands require urgent attention and argued that greater investment in sports could provide constructive alternatives by promoting discipline, physical fitness and community engagement.
The ANTCC leader urged the Administration to issue immediate directions for proper implementation of Sports Quota recruitment in ongoing and future appointments across departments. He maintained that restoring the quota system would not only recognise sporting excellence but also help strengthen youth participation in positive activities.
The ongoing national rowing trials meanwhile have generated considerable attention in the islands, with local rowing enthusiasts viewing the event as a rare opportunity to showcase the Union Territory’s potential as a venue for competitive water sports.
Officials associated with the rowing community believe the arrival of new equipment and increased interaction with national-level athletes could contribute to the long-term growth of rowing in the islands, which possess natural coastal conditions suited for the sport.
Bhasker expressed hope that the Administration would take a positive decision on the Sports Quota issue in the larger interest of island youth, sports development and aspiring athletes seeking opportunities within the Union Territory.
